Making a Claim for Diagnosis Delays
A delay in making a diagnosis of a wide range of medical conditions can mean that the patient suffers further deterioration as a result. In the long-term, their recovery may be compromised and their quality of life may suffer dramatically.
Diagnosis is obviously crucial in the medical management of a patient's condition. Without a diagnosis or a suspicion of an underlying cause, the patient is unlikely to access the further diagnostic tests necessary or the treatment which may be essential to their long-term health.
If medical practitioners fail to bring about a diagnosis, whether through assessment, examination or referral when the patient has attended with relevant symptoms, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome as a result of the medical professional's failure, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the pain, suffering and financial losses associated with the negligence.
Doubts, misdiagnosis or a reluctance to refer a patient for a second opinion, tests or expert assessment may lead to a catastrophic outcome for many health problems including the following:
- Cancer, where a delay in recognition may allow the cancer to spread, reducing the patient's chance of survival
- Cauda equina syndrome, where a delayed diagnosis can cause permanent disability and double incontinence
- Perforated bowel and associated bowel disorders where a delay in diagnosis can be life-threatening
- Sepsis and necrotising fasciitis where a failure to initiate emergency treatment may lead to the death of the patient
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if diagnosis is delayed
- A failure to diagnose a heart attack may leave the patient vulnerable to further attacks which could prove life-threatening
Where medical professionals have had the opportunity to assess and diagnose the patient but have failed in their duty of care, not followed accepted guidelines or failed to consider the conditions which may be indicated by the patient's symptoms, they may be regarded as having acted negligently.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term impact of a significant failing in medical care, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses.
Contact Glynns, specialists in medical negligence compensation claims to talk to an experienced solicitor about your situation and the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
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